A commercial truck driver has a duty of care to other motorists on the road. He or she is responsible for knowing and carrying out laws, rules and regulations pertaining to trucking. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation, spells out responsibilities of truckers. State, local and company-specific rules and regulations are all part of the knowledge that a truck driver is supposed to know and adhere to. For example:
- A trucker should get enough rest so as not to be driving while fatigued. The driver's Hours of Service (HOS) logbook can help verify this.
- A trucker should inspect a truck every time the truck is put into use. Lights, tires and brakes should be in working order.
- A driver should keep track of the weight of the cargo in a truck and ensure that cargo is properly secured and balanced.
- A trucker should obey rules of the road that other motorists follow.
- A trucker should not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Often, other parties may be responsible for taking some precautionary action — and the driver is responsible for keeping track of and confirming these precautions. Dock workers who load a flatbed or cargo area of a tractor-trailer may be the ones who are to balance and tie down cargo. A truck maintenance facility may be responsible for checking on brakes, tires or the transmission. Even if the truck driver does not perform these tasks, he or she should verify that the work was done by qualified professionals.
After a truck accident, it may take some time to reveal that the cause of the crash was New York truck driver negligence. Lawyer analysis of investigators' reports is a key component of a successful claim for compensation after a serious or catastrophic injury. Contact the Law Offices of Roy S. Hiller to schedule a free initial consultation after a truck accident injury or death of a loved one in a truck accident.
Experienced New York City Truck Driver Error Lawyer
Our law firm is selective about which cases we agree to take on. We expect our clients to be selective too, to be sure that they are comfortable and confident about the attorney that they choose to work with. Schedule a free consultation by contacting our New York City truck accident injury office and begin the important process of selecting the best attorney to handle your case.
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